Powder Coating

Hi all. New to the forum and have had a look around but not seen any info on this topic.

I've just got to the end of my first years riding on an '07 Hornet and will be upgrading it soon. Looking at the 600RR and the R6 as options.

Looking around at some US forums (*gasp*) there is a lot of talk of powder coating. Some of the pics of bikes are awesome.

Is powder coating popular in the uk? Are there any well known suppliers around the South East? Has anyone done it?

Info needed please!!!

[druidsam]

powder coating is a more durable finish than paint and thats ball i know,but look here NSP Coatings Ltd - Powder Coating - Wet Spray - Shot Blasting



....................Sam

[grotbag]

Some peeps I talk to have done it successfully but have had all of the right equipment and experience but for the odd one or two it wasn't successful and cost them a packet because of the heat issue involved in the process and when riding afterwards.

I'll let my bike builder (choppers) friend explain to pitfalls ..............as the heat has an effect on the paint, it will also do the same in return to the engine. Keep in mind the more coating or thickness of the paint acts as an insulator and holds the heat in the engine instead of letting it dissipate. With a V-twin air cooled engine it is very important to get rid of the heat.
P/C looks nice and is very durable but, it is a thick coating. I have a friend of mine that has a custom bike with P/C on most of the engine parts, the rest is chrome, he has a terrible over heating problem with the bike if he is not haulin' ass down the road with it, it with over heat to the point it shuts down if he is stuck in traffic and can't get good air flow to the engine.

Originally Posted by PontiC

Is powder coating popular in the uk?

I have no idea about popular, but in my experience it is VERY cheap. I had the swinging arm on one our bikes shotblasted and powder coated and it only cost £20.

[Spree]

I would keep it to less delicate parts like the frame, swingarm etc and wouldn't be tempted to use it as a decorative finish. Welcome to the forums BTW

Thanks for the info, I have also found a company in Hersham, Surrey that are prepared to do it but no prices as yet.

£20 seems extremely cheap when you factor in labour time as well as materials.

Interesting about the heat issues, I will have to consider that although I was really only thinking about things like wheels, levers and the mids.